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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






2. A musical composition written solely to improve technique. Often performed for artistic interest.






3. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






4. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






5. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






6. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






7. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






8. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






9. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






10. A reprise.






11. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






12. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






13. The first violin in an orchestra.






14. The highest female voice.






15. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






16. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






17. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






18. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






19. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






20. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






21. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






22. The distance in pitch between two notes.






23. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






24. A symbol indicating to play loud.






25. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






26. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






27. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






28. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






29. A direction to play lively and fast.






30. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






31. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






32. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






33. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






34. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






35. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






36. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






37. Unmusical - without tone.






38. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






39. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






40. A musical composition written solely to improve technique. Often performed for artistic interest.






41. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






42. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






43. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






44. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






45. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






46. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






47. The movement of chords in succession.






48. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






49. The first violin in an orchestra.






50. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






Can you answer 50 questions in 15 minutes?



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